Cats nab veteran duo

Geelong has signalled its intentions to remain a flag contender in 2013 by bringing in veterans Hamish McIntosh from North Melbourne and former Demon Jared Rivers

McIntosh, who was selected in the All Australian squad in 2007 and 2009, moves to the Cats in exchange for pick 36 of the upcoming draft.

Rivers is a free agent after 150 games at Melbourne, where he was a best and fairest runner-up this year.

With both players aged 28 and having entered the AFL in the 2002 draft, Geelong has shown it is determined that the club's six-year finals run, including three flags and four grand finals, will not end.

McIntosh fills a need in the ruck while Rivers is an addition that will go some way to replacing the gaping hole left by the retirement of veteran star Matthew Scarlett.

Geelong football manager Neil Balme said the number of promising youngsters at the club allows it to bring in experienced players but admits the acquisitions represent a risk.

"We've got a relatively young list at one end so we're probably in a position to look at what's going to happen over the next couple of years and we've probably taken a risk on a few older players," Balme told SEN.

Although the Kangaroos are disappointed to see McIntosh leave, the club is well-equipped to replace him after Todd Golstein played well in his position after the veteran was felled by a knee injury in week seven.

"Obviously it's disappointing to lose Hamish but we wish him all the best for his future and acknowledge the significant contribution he's made to our football club," North Melbourne chief of football Donald McDonald said.

The Cats have also confirmed that they will send pick number 55 to the Gold Coast in return for Josh Caddy - a compensation selection Geelong was given two years ago when Gary Ablett left for the Suns.